Factors Contributing to Hive Loss

Hive losses continue to be attributed to factors including a high loss of queen bees, extreme weather, hive parasites, pathogens, pesticide use, and poor bee nutrition caused by changing land use patterns. The varroa mite, a honey bee parasite, is of particular concern. In addition to weakening adult bees by feeding directly on them, varroa mites also vector viruses including Chronic Bee Paralysis Virus which can kill an infected bee in days.

Impact on SD Honey Production

In 2015, South Dakota was second in the nation in honey production, behind only North Dakota. South Dakota honey producers reported collecting over 19 million pounds of honey (valued at over $34 million) from over 290,000 colonies. Assuming the total summer loss for 2015, South Dakota honey producers lost approximately $8-10 million due to the decreased honey bee populations and associated honey production.